Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday after a prolonged battle with pneumonia, but he will require two months of rest at the Vatican, his medical team said on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on Feb. 14 with a severe respiratory infection in what became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. Although he is now clear of pneumonia, doctors said his recovery remains ongoing and will take “a lot of time.”
“The recommendation for a period of convalescence of at least two months is very important,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team, during a press conference. He added that Francis has been advised to avoid meetings with large groups or engagements requiring significant effort.
During his hospital stay, Francis suffered four acute episodes of what the Vatican described as “respiratory crises,” with two of them deemed critical. “He was in danger of his life,” Alfieri said.
While Francis did not require intubation, he used non-invasive ventilation through a mask to assist his breathing, the doctor confirmed.
A senior cardinal said Friday that the pope would need to “relearn to speak” after battling the infection for such an extended period. Alfieri noted that it would take time before Francis’s voice fully recovered.
The pope, who had gained weight in recent years due to mobility issues linked to knee and back pain, has lost some weight during his illness. “We haven’t weighed him, but he has lost weight, surely,” Alfieri said. “But, let’s say, he had some ‘in reserve,’ so it doesn’t worry us.”
Francis is expected to resume a limited schedule upon returning to the Vatican, with his doctors emphasizing the importance of rest as he continues his recovery.
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